Chapter 4

"Manuel, I..." Ashley's eyes welled, tears streaming down her cheeks at the sight of Manuel Harvey, the youngest of her older brothers. She ran to him, hugging him tightly and crying uncontrollably. "What's wrong, Ashley? C'mon, don't cry. Selina, did you mess with Ashley again?" Manuel glared at Selina, his expression intense.

"No, Manuel, it's not like that. It's not her fault, I just... It's not about Selina."

"Good. Just so you know, if Selina ever gives you trouble, you tell me, okay? She won't get away with it." Manuel's contempt for Selina was undisguised. He never understood why his parents had brought her home. If she had been refined and intelligent, perhaps he could have tolerated her. But she was unremarkable, as bland as stale bread. Her presence felt like a foul odor. Her clothes were cheap, and her shyness suggested a constant fear. He'd rather confront her directly than allow the Harvey name to be tarnished. Ashley, in contrast, was their cherished princess—bright, sharp, sweet, and adored by her brothers.

Normally, Selina would cower, staring at the floor, stifling tears. Manuel made it clear he detested tears, especially from Selina. Her crying angered him. But this time was different. Selina climbed the stairs without a word, shedding no tears.

Manuel was momentarily surprised but quickly dismissed it. Ashley needed him.

Then Sara entered. "Has anyone seen Selina?"

"I don't know. Mom, what's going on? Ashley was crying earlier."

Before Sara could answer, Selina descended, carrying her bags.

"What on earth are you doing, Selina?" Sara was astonished.

"I won't beat around the bush, Mrs. Harvey. I'm moving out and changing my residency. Let's get the paperwork done soon. I'm finished with the Harvey name."

Sara was stunned. "Just like that, you want out? What will people say? You're not leaving unless you're married!"

"Good. I'll be back with my husband tomorrow." Selina left, suitcase in tow, leaving everyone speechless.

Shaking his head, Manuel exclaimed, "Hold on...Mom, is Selina serious? She's leaving us? It makes it seem like we're kicking her out, and she's married?"

"Not cool, Selina. You can't just walk away—" Suddenly, Ashley broke free from Manuel's grasp and ran after Selina.

"Ashley, where are you going?" Manuel tried to restrain her.

Ashley's face was wet with tears. "But Selina seems so sad. Manuel, she's our family, after all."

"That woman's always causing drama! Mom, what do we do?"

"Hold it right there. I want to see this husband of hers tomorrow. As if she could attract anyone decent," Sara scoffed.

Selina hopped into an Uber, opened a well-known dating app, and began swiping. One profile caught her eye: "Tired of the pressure to settle down. Looking for a pretend marriage partner to get my parents off my back. Hit me up at the numbers below." Bingo!

Trevon Brady, buried in paperwork at Insight Group, answered an unexpected call. "Hello?"

"You're looking for a fake marriage, huh? Same here. Let's get this done today," Selina stated directly. She needed to avoid any last-minute interference from the Harveys, and changing her residency was crucial. A marriage seemed the perfect cover.

Trevon stared at his phone; his half-sister had messaged him about her sham marriage ad. He'd thought she was joking, but she wasn't. Recalling the relentless family pressure to marry, he replied, "Alright, let's meet." "It's a date."

Selina found Trevon at their reserved table in a fancy steak restaurant, calmly sipping coffee. Dressed impeccably in a sharp black suit, he looked like he'd stepped out of a magazine—imposing jawline and all, exuding an air of authority.

Trevon observed Selina's understated yet striking beauty; she didn't need makeup to turn heads. Before he could speak, Selina produced a contract. "He's my fake husband. I need you on speed dial. I'll pay you thirty thousand dollars a month for your time. Let's hit City Hall now. Got your license?" Trevon was taken aback by her directness.

"Not good enough! I'll toss in another thirty thousand." To Selina, money was inconsequential; his word was paramount. Earning money was her least concern.

"I'm not after the cash. Here's my deal: stand by my side at events, make appearances with my family, and I'll return the favor. We keep it even, no strings attached." "Deal."

"I've got my driver's license. We need to make it to City Hall before it closes. Let's roll."

They reached City Hall just in time for a marriage license. Afterward, Trevon sent Selina a WhatsApp friend request. His profile picture was a simple black and white image; his username was simply "Trevon."

She accepted. "I've gotta head back to the office. I'll text you my address later," Trevon said coolly before leaving.

Selina looked at their marriage license. That was too easy. She whispered Trevon's name, her determination hardening as she planned her complete escape from the Harvey family. History would not repeat itself.